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Thailand
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Thailand

Asia
Photo: Mozhar / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Good

ℹ️ Quick info

Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is the main hub. If you're heading straight to the south (Phuket, Koh Samui), look for direct flights.
Time zone
+6h vs Italy
Power plug
Type A/B/C (universal adapter recommended)
Language
Thai
Currency
Baht (THB)
Visa
No visa required for EU citizens for stays up to 30 days (visa exemption). For longer stays you'll need a Tourist Visa.

📅 When to go

Recommended periodJanuaryNovemberDecember
Best avoidedJulySeptember

Best period based on climate data · Open-Meteo

The dry season (November–March) is perfect: clear skies, warm but bearable temperatures. Avoid the monsoon (May–October) for heavy rain and flooding. April is the hottest month of the year.

💶 Costs

Coffee1-3€
Water (0.5L)0.3-0.5€
Street food1-3€
Cheap meal2-5€
Mid-range meal10-20€
Fast food combo4-6€
Beer2-4€
Taxi (start fare)1€ (metered)
Taxi (per km)0.2-0.4€
Metro/bus ticket0.5-1.5€
Intercity transport10-25€ (bus/train Bangkok-Chiang Mai)
Gasoline~1€/L
Budget hotel15-35€
Mid-range hotel50-100€
Museum ticket1-5€ (main temples up to 15€)
SIM / eSIM10-15€ for 30 days
Daily budget (low)25-35€
Daily budget (comfort)60-100€

🛡️ Safety

Safety level: Good
Tuk-tuk and gem scam High

The tuk-tuk takes you to a gem shop or tailor claiming the temples are closed. A classic scam.

How to avoid it: Ignore anyone who approaches you unprompted offering tours. Plan your own trips with Grab.

Taxis without a meter High

Many taxis quote inflated flat fares at airports and in tourist areas.

How to avoid it: Always say 'Meter please'. If they refuse, take the next one — or just use Grab.

Currency exchange Medium

Unofficial exchange counters in tourist areas offer terrible rates.

How to avoid it: Use ATMs or SuperRich (a reliable exchange chain in Bangkok).

⚠️ Active travel advisory (Italian MFA, as of 2026-07-25):
  • THAILANDIA: inasprimento controlli sull’esportazione illecita di Cannabis.
Read the official advisory →
⚠️ Indicative information. Always check visa requirements and safety conditions on official sources before travelling: your government's travel advisory and the country's embassy/consulate.

🚌 Transport

Grab
Recommended

Thailand's Uber. Indispensable, fixed prices, no haggling.

Metered taxi
Caution

Only use taxis that run the meter. Always insist: 'Meter please!'

Tuk-tuk
Caution

Fun for short hops, but haggling is mandatory. Watch out for the "shopping detour" scam.

BTS Skytrain (Bangkok)
Recommended

Great for Bangkok — fast and cheap. Buy the Rabbit Card.

🧳 What to pack

What to bring
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Covering clothes for temples
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent (DEET)
  • Comfortable shoes and sandals
  • A waterproof bag for the beach
  • A universal adapter
  • Anti-diarrhoea medication
Pre-departure checklist
Documenti
  • Passport with at least 6 months' validity
  • Return ticket (often checked on arrival)
Salute
  • See your doctor about vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid)
Finanze
  • Download the Grab app before you go
Tech
  • Local SIM at the airport (cheap and fast)
Abbigliamento
  • Covering clothes for temples (shoulders and knees covered)

🎉 Seasonal highlights

🎊
Songkran – Thai New Year
13–15 April

The biggest water festival in the world. Everyone gets soaked in the streets. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are the best places to experience it, but be ready: it's beautiful chaos.

🏮
Loi Krathong – Festival of Lights
November (full moon)

Paper lanterns rise into the sky and floating baskets drift on the water. Chiang Mai is the best spot: the sky fills with thousands of lights.

🐘
Dry season in the north
November – February

The ideal time for jungle trekking, visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries and motorbike tours through the mountains of Chiang Rai.

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